Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“And he stood up and went to his home.”
NL Daily Devotion for Thursday, February 14, 2019
by Rev. Stefanie Fauth, Clergy Stuff
People love the healing stories of the Gospels! Jesus healing is such a promise of hope, and it shows the divine side of Jesus to the world!
What I love about these healing stories is that Jesus goes into the very depths of humanity, reaching in to love and heal.
Jesus does not avoid someone who is possessed and probably very scary. Jesus walks right up to this scary situation, offering connection for the person who has been possessed and alone for so many years.
Jesus doesn’t just offer healing - Jesus offers connection. Now that this person is healed, they can be part of the community again.
Without putting ourselves in danger, how can we offer connection to those who have been cast aside?
Connection with others is healing balm to the soul.
Narrative Lectionary Daily Reading:
Jesus Heals the Gadarene Demoniacs
When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs coming out of the tombs met him. They were so fierce that no one could pass that way. Suddenly they shouted, ‘What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?’Now a large herd of swine was feeding at some distance from them. The demons begged him, ‘If you cast us out, send us into the herd of swine.’And he said to them, ‘Go!’ So they came out and entered the swine; and suddenly, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and perished in the water. The swineherds ran off, and on going into the town, they told the whole story about what had happened to the demoniacs.Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their neighbourhood. And after getting into a boat he crossed the water and came to his own town.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
And just then some people were carrying a paralysed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.’ Then some of the scribes said to themselves, ‘This man is blaspheming.’ But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, ‘Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, “Your sins are forgiven”, or to say, “Stand up and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic—‘Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.’ And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
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